Decision details

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report detailing the actions underway and proposed to address the financial gap for 2021/22, currently estimated at £118.76m.  The report presented a series of savings proposals to contribute towards the Council achieving a balanced budget for 2021/22 Budget and where appropriate, sought agreement to begin meaningful consultation with staff, trade unions, service users and the public as required.  The report also outlined the budget savings proposals that will contribute towards the Housing Revenue Account delivering a balanced budget position for 2021/22. 

In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Resources highlighted that the proposals in the submitted report were the first step in a process towards the submission of the initial budget proposals later in the year.

In response to a Member’s enquiries, the Board was provided with further information on the anticipated reduction in the workforce as part of the proposals in terms of the number of full time equivalent posts, received an update on the Early Leavers initiative ahead of the deadline for employees to reaffirm their expression of interest, and in response to an enquiry regarding the provision of funding for the ‘Year of Culture 2023’ initiative, it was noted that such matters would be taken into consideration as part of the budget setting process moving forward.

Members also discussed the approach being taken across directorates towards meeting the financial challenges being faced in each respective area and how that formed part of the budget setting process.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the financial position for 2021/22, as outlined within the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that further savings are required to deliver a balanced budget position;

(b)  That it be noted that the ‘Business as Usual’ savings and decisions to give effect to them shall be taken by the relevant Director or Chief Officer in accordance with the Officer delegation scheme (Executive functions); 

(c)  That agreement be given that consultation is commenced with regard to the ‘Service Review’ proposals, and that it be noted that the decisions to give effect to them shall be taken by the relevant Chief Officer, following the consultation period, in accordance with the Officer delegation scheme (Executive functions);

(d)  That the savings proposals in respect of the Housing Revenue Account, be noted.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)